Commentary: Ultimate Fighting Championship: Air Traveler vs. Carry-on
Chief Master Sgt. Atticus Smith, 388th Fighter Wing Command Chief
Most air travelers will admit they people watch. When I travel, one of the events I enjoy watching is when people attempt to find a place to store their overstuffed carry-on. Sometimes a fierce bout takes place, much like an ultimate fighting championship match; nonstop punches, elbows and kicks. When I see a match occur, I sense others are quietly asking the same thing I am, "Come on, why don't... Read more


Perfect your golf swing with simulator at course
Looking for some new and innovative golf enjoyment? Don't let your golf game go south in the winter ... come check out the Dead Solid Golf Simulator offering swing analysis, digital video and 18-hole championship courses. Reservation required. Fee $20 per hour for one to four players. Each additional hour $15. Open Monday-Friday, 8 p.m.-5pm, closed weekends and holidays. Schedule a session today... Read more
Robert Daniels, Tinker AFB 551 CMXS, drills holes for rivets while changing KC-135 spoiler ribs at Tinker. (Margo Wright)


AFMC tool aids in career advancement
Chandra Lloyd, Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A career development tool initiated by an Air Force Materiel Command member could be the driving force behind helping depot maintenance workers at AFMC's Air Logistics Centers excel in their careers. "I always felt we were lacking in our ability to help individuals plan their careers, and so while assigned to the Maintenance Wing at Ogden Air Logistics... Read more


Air Force seeks athletes for Warrior Games in Colorado Springs
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Force officials are accepting applications until Feb. 15 for the inaugural Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo. Wounded, ill and injured service members will compete across all branches of the military in a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Olympic Committee. Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members as well as retired... Read more


Tax Center opens weekdays at Hill AFB through April 15
Capt. Andrew D. Richey, Assistant Staff Judge Advocate
The Hill Air Force Base Tax Center will open Monday, Jan. 25, and will remain open for business through April 15, the last day income taxes can be filed without being assessed an additional interest or other penalty (unless you have requested an IRS extension and it has been approved). Walk-in clients will be accepted from 8 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Tax Center will be... Read more
Aerial view of Port-au-Prince harbor in Haiti from an OC-135B Open Skies aircraft Jan. 14. (A1C Perry Aston/U.S. Air Force)


Gates orders additional ship, eyes more capability for Haiti
Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service
NEW DELHI -- Just hours before another earthquake hit Haiti early this morning, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the Defense Department is sending a port-clearing ship and evaluating additional capabilities to assist the disaster relief effort. Secretary Gates announced that he signed deployment orders this morning to send a port-clearing ship equipped with cranes to get the port operating... Read more


Flu myths debunked
Capt. Leonardi Antonio, Public Health
Since the novel H1N1 influenza began its trek around the world last spring, many theories have arisen as to its origins, modes of transmission and means of prevention. Much of this information is based on misunderstandings, falsehoods and the love of a good conspiracy theory. And because many of us get our news and information from non-medical sources, its time to discredit some of the common... Read more


Remember family members when at-risk for suicide
Capt. Shannon Collins, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Thirty years ago, my father changed my life, as well as the lives of his other family members, forever. He took a shotgun and shot himself in the head. His death certificate reads, "Self-inflicted gunshot wound." I can't tell you how many times I've heard people joke about something being so bad, "that I should just shoot myself." As I hear songs like "... Read more
Photo by Drew Godleski and photo manipulation by Bryan Nielsen/Standard-Examiner.


Guidelines on cell phone use -- stateside
Mary Lou Gorny, Hilltop Times editor
The Governor's Highway Safety Association reminds motorists in a January news release that six states prohibit all drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving. California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Oregon allow an officer to ticket a motorist for using a handheld cell phone without any other traffic offense taking place, while the state of Washington may ticket for the... Read more


419th Family Readiness class on finances set
Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle, 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
At some time in their lives, most people have experienced financial stress. To help, the 419th Fighter Wing's Family Readiness office is sponsoring a class entitled "Financial Readiness for Today and Tomorrow." The class will be held Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the 419th Mission Support Group conference room on the second floor of Building 180. Delight Dehorty, 419th Family Readiness office, will... Read more